Tulong Kapatid Raises Over P100 Million For Typhoon Pablo Victims

Tulong Kapatid, the corporate social responsibility and disaster response initiative of the MVP Group of Companies, drew an overwhelming response from Filipinos all over the world during its recent telethon. In just six hours, Tulong Kapatid was able to raise more than P100 million for typhoon Pablo victims.

There wasn't much time to prepare for the telethon, but nonetheless, the humanitarian endeavor saw Kapatid stars, news personalities and respected business leaders coming together. The event was held at the Kapatid Network's Novaliches and Broadway studios and was simulcast over TV5, Aksyon TV and Radyo Singko 92.3 News FM, pre-empting the Kapatid Network's primetime programming.

Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, speaking from Seoul, Korea shared in an interview with NEWS5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes that an SMS from US Ambassador Harry Thomas prompted him to initiate the telethon at the soonest possible time. He was moved by accounts of MVP Group's corporate responsibility forces including TV5's Alagang Kapatid Foundation and emergency response unit RESCUE5 who had seen Pablo's wrath firsthand.

In urging individuals and corporations to give no matter how big or small, MVP said, "Panahon ngayon ng Pasko. We cannot let our people down." The renowned philanthropist also told survivors of Pablo not to lose hope despite the unimaginable damage the super typhoon causes.

President Noynoy Aquino also delivered a special message during the telethon, encouraging every Filipino to help in any way the people of Mindanao. "Nagpapasalamat tayo sa TV5. Malaki po ang maitutulong ng inyong inisyatiba upang maipadama sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa," he said.

NEWS5 head Luchi Cruz-Valdes led TV5's news organization in delivering disaster recovery-related stories with anchors Cheryl Cosim, Raffy Tulfo and Erwin Tulfo who reported live from New Bataan in Compostela Valley.

From the entertainment industry, among those who heeded the call for donation included superstar Nora Aunor and "Pinoy Explorer" host Aga Muhlach. Kapatid stars and noted personalities were also on hand to take calls from fellow Filipinos who wished to contribute to the worthy cause. SPORTS5's Aaron Atayde and Jessica Mendoza, Team SMART Gilas Filipinas 2.0 coach Chot Reyes and players from the Meralco Bolts and San Beda Red Lions also manned the phones during the telethon.

Rep. Sonny Angara, with his charming smile and magnetic personality, was launched recently as the newest ambassador of Blackwater Elite Homme, joining the ranks of Kapamilya stars Erich Gonzales and Sam Concepcion, the other Ever Bilena endorsers.

Rep. Sonny, certainly a chip off the old block, has enough achievements in Congress to make him a legislature like his father, Sen. Edgardo Angara. Rep. Sonny filed 18 national bills that became laws during the 14th Congress. He is now on his third term as representative of the Lone District of Aurora, and he has stood out to make a name of his own in the world of politics. Among his advocacies is to help empower fresh graduates and degree holders by helping them land a job without going through much financial hassle. "There are no laws for the fresh graduates so that's my goal in the future," he said.

He may be busy with his job as a solon, but never too busy to lose time with his family and accept endorsement projects like Blackwater Elite Homme. A wellness and health advocate too, Rep. Sonny said he exercises regularly. He believes he owes it to himself to stay fit and healthy in order to perform his duties well.

He chooses his clothes well to look smart and personable. "I also see to it that I smell nice." He chooses scents that fit his busy lifestyle like that of Blackwater Elite Homme, which has become his daily scent.